Russian flag on show at Aus Open as Ukraine ambassador wants action

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

The Ukranian ambassador to Australia and New Zealand has called for action after a Russian flag was displayed at Melbourne Park today. Russian and Belarussian players were banned from Wimbledon after the invasion of Ukraine but can play in Australia under a neutral flag.

Ukraine’s Kateryna Baindl beat Russian Kamilla Rakhimova 7-5 6-7 6-1 at the Australian Open on Monday.

But Vasyl Myroshnychenko posted a picture of the Russian flag on social media and said: “I strongly condemn the public display of the Russian flag during the game of the Ukrainian tennis player Kateryna Baindl at the Australian Open today. I call on Tennis Australia to immediately enforce its “neutral flag” policy.”

Former Ukrainian pro Sergiy Stakhovsky – who retired at last year’s Australian Open – also reposted two photos of the flag on his Twitter account and simply wrote: “…….”

JUST IN: McEnroe risks irking Nadal by weighing in on retirement after Zverev

It comes after Tennis Australia doubled-down on its decision to allow Russian and Belarusian players to compete at the Australian Open, albeit as neutral athletes in line with the regulations set out by the ATP, WTA, ITF and four Grand Slams last match. “At this point, Russian and Belarusian players will be eligible to play in the Australian Open,” Tennis Australia CEO and Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said earlier this month.

“The only difference will be that they cannot represent Russia. They cannot represent the flag of Russia. They cannot participate in any activity such as the anthem of Russia. And they have to play as independent players under a neutral name. But they will be welcome to the Australian Open in January.”

DON’T MISS
Aus Open conspiracy theory surfaces as ‘curse’ strikes down players
Inside Becker’s ‘brutal’ jail time as German returns to TV at Aus Open
Novak Djokovic makes short statement after moving Aus Open practice

We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.

For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football

Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.

We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk

Source: Read Full Article